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Definition of touchiness

touchiness

/ˈtʌtʃ.i.nəs/
touch · i · ness
Adverb:touchily
•
Adjective:touchy
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touchiness Lexical Profile

touchiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being easily offended, upset, or irritated; oversensitivity in temperament.

Example

"His sudden touchiness about the budget proposal made his colleagues suspect that the project was behind schedule."

2

The state of being precarious, delicate, or requiring extremely careful handling.

Example

"Given the political touchiness of the border dispute, the diplomats chose their words with extreme caution."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

touched
toucher
touchily
touchiness
touching
touchingly
touchless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the adjective 'touchy' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'; 'touchy' itself is likely an alteration of the earlier English word 'techy' (meaning peevish or fretful), influenced by the verb 'touch'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Touchiness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/touchiness
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